Skip to content 
Strategies to Strengthen Your MBA Application
Applying for top MBA programs like ISB, IIM Ahmedabad, and IIM Bangalore can be a daunting process. As an applicant, you want to put your best foot forward and showcase a well-rounded profile that resonates with the admissions committee.
Having interacted with numerous students during ding analysis sessions, we’ve seen firsthand the kinds of questions that come up when applicants are trying to strengthen their applications. The most common question? What activities can I take part in to make my application stand out?
In this blog post, I’ll share four actionable tips for building a stronger MBA application. These tips are drawn from real conversations with MBA applicants and are designed to help you craft an application that not only demonstrates your potential but also aligns with the values of top MBA programs.
- Take on Leadership Roles in Your Organization or a Not-for-Profit: A great way to demonstrate your leadership skills is by taking on more responsibilities in your current organization or getting involved with a not-for-profit organization. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need a fancy title like “Manager” or “Director.” Leadership is about influence, initiative, and the ability to inspire others to achieve a common goal. If you’re in a corporate setting, look for opportunities to lead projects, mentor junior colleagues, initiate process improvements, or spearhead new initiatives. For example, you might lead a cross-functional team to develop a new product, or organize a company-wide volunteer day. These experiences can be invaluable when highlighting your leadership skills in your application essays and interviews. For those involved in not-for-profit work, the possibilities are even broader. You can lead fundraising campaigns, organize community events, or coordinate volunteer efforts. The key is to focus on the impact of your work. How did your leadership make a difference? What challenges did you overcome, and how did you inspire others to follow your lead? Admissions committees appreciate applicants who can lead with empathy and make a positive difference in their communities.
- Start a Venture or Work on a Business Idea: Many MBA applicants dream of becoming entrepreneurs, but not everyone has taken the leap. If you’ve got a business idea, now might be the perfect time to start working on it. This doesn’t mean you need to launch a full-fledged startup overnight. Instead, consider developing a business plan, conducting market research, or even creating a prototype or minimum viable product (MVP). Starting a venture can add a unique dimension to your MBA application. Admissions committees are interested in applicants who think creatively, take risks, and are driven to solve real-world problems. Plus, if you can demonstrate progress on your business idea and articulate how an MBA will help you scale it faster, you’ll be able to create a compelling narrative for the admissions committee. Even if your venture doesn’t become the next big thing, the lessons you learn from entrepreneurship can be invaluable. You can discuss how you adapted to challenges, learned from failure, and refined your approach over time. These qualities are highly valued by MBA programs, which seek applicants who can overcome adversity and thrive in dynamic environments.
- Engage in Community Service with Genuine Intentions: Community service can be a valuable addition to your MBA application, but it’s essential to approach it with the right mindset. Admissions committees can easily spot when community service is done solely to bolster an application. Instead, focus on making a genuine impact and reflect on how the experience has shaped your character. If you’re already involved in community service, consider taking on a leadership role or planning a community project within your existing organization. The key is to make a meaningful contribution and then highlight the impact of your efforts. Did you organize a charity event that raised significant funds? Did you initiate a project that improved the lives of local residents? These are the kinds of stories that resonate with MBA admissions committees. In your application, be sure to emphasize how your community service experience has influenced your personal growth and shaped your values. Discuss how you intend to continue serving the community during and after your MBA. This shows that you’re committed to making a positive impact beyond just getting into business school. Admissions committees appreciate individuals who go beyond their professional roles to make a positive difference. By sharing these experiences, you’ll show that you have a well-rounded perspective and a commitment to giving back.
- Take on Pro-Bono Consulting Projects: If you’re already working in consulting, you have a unique opportunity to gain additional experience by taking on pro-bono consulting projects. Pro-bono consulting involves providing strategic advice and support to not-for-profit organizations or small businesses without charging for your services. These projects not only allow you to give back to the community, but they also offer a platform to demonstrate your consulting skills in a different context. Consider reaching out to not-for-profit organizations or small businesses that could benefit from your expertise. Offer to help them with strategic planning, process optimization, or other consulting services. The impact you make through these pro-bono projects can be a valuable addition to your MBA application. In your essays and interviews, you can discuss how you identified a need, proposed solutions, and implemented changes that made a tangible difference. Highlighting your problem-solving skills and ability to work with diverse stakeholders will strengthen your application and demonstrate your commitment to giving back.
Strengthening your MBA application requires more than just adding a list of activities to your resume. It’s about finding meaningful ways to demonstrate your leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to the community. By taking on leadership roles, working on business ventures, engaging in community service, and participating in pro-bono consulting projects, you’ll be able to build a compelling narrative that sets you apart from other applicants.
Remember, the key to a successful MBA application is authenticity. Choose activities and experiences that genuinely interest you, and be prepared to discuss how they have shaped your personal and professional journey. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating a strong and impactful MBA application. Good luck!
How can IvyCrackers help you?
When it comes to making informed decisions about an MBA program, there is often no substitute for firsthand knowledge and advice from those who have been through similar experiences. That’s why we, at IvyCrackers, firmly believe that one of the best ways to gain valuable insights about a particular MBA program or university is to interact with current students and alumni of that very university
Connecting with them can give you a more comprehensive understanding of what it is be part of that university, both in terms of coursework and extracurricular activities, as well as the kind of career options that may be available after graduation. Our “Mentor Session” initiative is designed to help facilitate these connections by pairing you with members of our community who can share their personal experiences and perspectives with you.
Our team of mentors, at IvyCrackers, has been passionately dedicated to helping countless candidates achieve their academic and professional goals. We have worked tirelessly to provide comprehensive services that are tailored to your specific needs, including refining your application essays, conducting mock interviews, perfecting your resumes, and strengthening your profiles. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in the success stories we have helped create, with our clients consistently achieving remarkable feats in their chosen fields.
We believe that everyone has the potential to excel, and we are here to help you unlock that potential. So why not head over to our ‘Mentors’ section now and discover how we can help you fulfill your dreams today?
Visit our Youtube Channel, Linkedin or Instagram Page for regular updates!
